Abstract
BACKGROUND: Use of indigenous and alternative medicines for illnesses is common in India. Studies on the use of complementary and alternative medicines (CAMs) in Western countries have shown that a significant percentage of men and women with infertility use alternative therapies. Unfortunately, there is no such data specific to the Indian population. AIM: The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence and use of CAM treatments and supplements in couples with infertility. SETTINGS AND DESIGN: The study was a prospective cross-sectional survey study conducted in an urban assisted reproductive centre attached to a private hospital. MATERIALS AND METHODS: All patients presenting with infertility of 1 year or more who consented to participate in the study were interviewed to collect anonymised data on their use of CAM for infertility treatment, including duration of use, treatment costs, adverse effects and information about the prescriber. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS USED: Data were analysed using SPSS v26. Descriptive statistics summarised demographics and use of CAM. Associations were tested using Fisher's Exact Test and Mann-Whitney U-test, with P < 0.05 considered statistically significant. RESULTS: 271 couples consented to the study. Most were well-educated, and dealing with primary infertility. CAM use was more common among women (10%) than men (5.5%), with Ayurveda being the most frequently used, followed by homeopathy. Herbal medicine use was rare. CAM usage was associated with longer durations of infertility in both genders, and with longer duration of marriage in men (P < 0.05). Most treatments were prescribed by doctors, with minimal use of unlicensed practitioners. No major adverse effects were reported. CONCLUSION: CAM use for infertility was less common than expected, and linked to longer infertility duration.